Social cognitive theory rejects the dichotomous conception of self as agent and self as object. Acting on the environment and acting on oneself entail shifting the perspective of the same agent rather than reifying different selves regulating each other or transforming the self from agent to object
Albert BanduraPeople with high assurance in their capabilities approach difficult tasks as challenges to be mastered rather than as threats to be avoided.
Albert BanduraStringent standards of self-evaluation [can] make otherwise objective successes seem to be personal failures
Albert BanduraPeople who hold a low view of themselves [will credit] their achievements to external factors, rather than to their own capabilities.
Albert BanduraPerceived self-efficacy also shapes causal thinking. In seeking solutions to difficult problems, those who perceived themselves as highly efficacious are inclined to attribute their failures to insufficient effort, whereas those of comparable skills but lower perceived self-efficacy ascribe their failures to deficient ability
Albert Bandura